CLEMSON - Relievers Matt Campbell and Scott Firth combined to allow only one hit, no runs, and no walks with nine strikeouts in the final 5 2/3 innings pitched to lead Clemson to a 3-1 victory over Miami (FL) at Doug Kingsmore Stadium on Friday night.
The Tigers improved to 13-12 overall and 4-6 in the ACC. The Hurricanes fell to 20-6 overall and 7-3 in ACC play. It was the first meeting between the two since 2009.
The Tigers scored a run in the first inning, then Miami tied the score with a run in the second inning. The sixth inning was the turning point of the game, as the Tigers broke through with two runs to regain the lead. Jon McGibbon led off with a single and moved to second on the play when centerfielder Dale Carey booted the ball. McGibbon advanced to third base on Spencer Kieboom's groundout to short. After Dominic Attanasio was hit-by-pitch, Thomas Brittle lofted a sacrifice fly to shallow right field to score McGibbon. Attanasio stole second, then Steve Wilkerson laced a two-out double down the left-field to score Attanasio. Wilkerson extended his hitting streak to 13 games.
Campbell (1-2) established career highs for innings pitched (four) and strikeouts (7) to earn the win. He gave up just one hit, no runs, and no walks. Firth recorded his first career save by tossing 1 2/3 perfect innings with two strikeouts. Kevin Brady, Campbell, and Firth combined for 13 strikeouts and did not allow a Hurricane leadoff batter of an inning to reach base.
Clemson and Miami will play game-two of the three-game series on Saturday at 4:00 PM. The game will be televised live by ESPNU.
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